KPS Group show off materials for Birmingham airport makeover

The KPS Group showed off this rendering of the renovated terminal at a meeting of the Birmingham Airport Authority.

Members of the Birmingham Airport Authority today got to touch and see carpet, tiles, granite, steel and other materials proposed for the $193.3 million terminal overhaul set to begin early next year.

KPS Group, architect on the project, showed board members a variety of materials it wants to use in the renovation job.

Maria Casey, an interior designer for KPS, said the firm chose neutral colors so the look of the terminal would not become dated. She said it picked durable materials that may cost more up front but will save money in the long run.

She said the firm was careful to choose materials that could be purchased off the shelf rather than custom products because future replacement would be easier and cheaper. The firm also solicited multiple suppliers for materials to ensure competition on the costs.

Casey said the firm recognized the function is important.

For instance, she explained how the use of Terrazzo, a faux marble material installed without seams, would make for a smoother ride for travelers towing wheeled luggage than the "click-clack" of rolling over granite tiles with grouted seams.

While board members said they liked much of what was presented, some said they had hoped for more color and sparkle.

"Take a chance on some colors," said board member and Birmingham City Councilman Steven Hoyt. "Be more daring."

Gary Kimbrell, vice president at KPS, said the idea was to bring color and pazazz through the new concessions operators and accents and art work. He said preliminary discussions have included ideas such as incorporating displays such as a NASCAR car from Talladega or a motorcycle on loan from the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum or a P-51 Mustang like the ones flown by the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.

Board chairwoman Gaynell Hendricks said she would like the board to have more options to consider on the design.

"We want people to walk in and see this as something really different," she said. "We want something special."